Google I/O Developer Conference 2017

Google hosted its annual I/O conference May 17-19, 2017 at its Mountain View, California offices. The conference highlighted some of the software technologies the company is focusing on now and into the near future. Some of the showcased technologies have great use cases to improve the travel experience.

Google I/O Developer Conference

Day 1

Led by Google’s Chief Executive Officer, Sundar Pichai, day 1 of the conference centered on the company’s future roadmap for its mobile operating system – Android, Google Assistant, Google Home and virtual reality.

Google I/O 2017 Day 1 Keynote Source: Google

Android “O”

When it comes to the next version of the Android operating system codenamed “O”, travellers can expect improvements on notification management, battery life management, security, start up time and stability.

Notification badges called “Dots” are introduced to show a small dot beside any applications found in the home screen that have new incoming notifications. This is important for travellers who are waiting for communication on flight status, or an upgrade.

Background application management can drain battery life. Android O sets “wise limits” on background usage which will reduce or eliminate applications from operating or seeking information while not in used. Users can set which battery draining applications can be whitelisted or added to the list. While many airports and airlines added more power outlets over the years, battery life continues to be a key feature travellers would like to see more improvements on.

The ability to sideload applications can increase the opportunity of malicious code being introduced. On Android O, a new function called Google Play Protect (part of the new Google Play Security) designed to scan all the apps on the device and warn the user if any of them are deemed unsafe. Travellers can go to Settings > Security & Location > Verify App to find all the scanned applications.

Streamlining of the operating system’s core code will improve start up time and stability of any Android O installed devices.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant is already available to help the travellers search for information from various sites and enable them to make decisions on the fly. This is similar to the voice command digital assistant that Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa and Microsoft’s Cordana have similar functions.

Find and track flight prices through Google Flights, look for things to do in a destination and check flight status (as part of Google Now).

Find traffic information through Google Map

Add events through Google Calendar, ask about events, and get schedule for the day

Receive weather information for various destinations

The next round of updates will add limited notification abilities to Google Home. Dubbed Proactive Assistance, the device will light up initially to alert the traveller’s attention. This could be related to notification on traffic jams or flight delays. In the future, more alerts (e.g. sound or voice command) may be added to alert the traveller.

Google introduced a new platform Visual Position Service (VPS). It has the promise to be the Global Positioning System (GPS) for large indoor spaces. Built under Project Tango, VPS allows application designers to guide anyone through indoor spaces using an augmented reality overlay. Combined with its own beacon technology called Eddystone (News), VPS could greatly enhance wayfinding functions for travellers at airports and hotels (e.g. locating a car in the parking lot, finding the VIP lounge, connecting flights and finding favorite coffee shop, etc).